Why do you believe?

Question

I recently watched the documentary Jesus Camp and got to thinking about how most christians come to belief in the faith starting when they are young. In my case, I was fully indoctrinated from Pre-K to 8th grade in my parochial school. As a child, with a certain naiveté about the world, I was hooked and thought that god was looking at everything I did and was going to judge me for it.

It wasn’t until I had a crisis of faith in my adult years that I began to really investigate my religion and realized that what I believed was incorrect and was man-made, not god-made.

Now, as an atheist, I can explain why I no longer believe in a god. However, I find that when I explain the contradictions and the historical record that led to the development of christianity and the canon (and to my atheism), most of the christians I know still believe even though they acknowledge the contradictions and incorrect statements in the bible.

Why does religious faith have such a grip on people?

Beta_Fishy - I can understand your comment about a personal relationship with a god but that does not have to be based on the bible.

As far as the inconsistencies, all you have to do is start with the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke to begin to see these.

xximonkeysxx - I get a warm feeling in my bosom after finishing my triathlons but it doesn't make me worship Dave Scott (6 time Ironman champion)

However, as a christian I was taught that the bible was the word of god.

Your comment " What you label as "inconsistencies" with the differences in the narratives, I see as different perspectives, written by different people, in different areas, in different times." confirms that this book was written and compiled by man, not god.

Our exchange is similar to the ones I have with my christian friends and you can see first-hand why a "debate" involving faith really can't be done.

Answer 1

Because faith isn't about the historical record or what you consider "inconsistencies" in the Bible. It's about one's personal relationship with God.

EDIT: Well, having the Bible as a reference point certainly could help with that process, don't you think? What you label as "inconsistencies" with the differences in the narratives, I see as different perspectives, written by different people, in different areas, in different times. It isn't a history textbook. Again, the relationship with God thing is the relative thing to keep in mind.

EDIT 2: Absolutely it was written by man. The mens' names who wrote it (or who at least were the inspiration for the group of people who summarized the beliefs) are at the heading of each book. Does that mean that the core teachings that pertain to man's relationship with God are inconsistent or in conflict? Nope. And that's the point, which you are missing with your secular approach to the Word.

Answer 2

I believe what I believe because of direct, personal experience (so I guess that would make it knowledge and understanding...not belief).

I was not raised in any religion and I grew up where religion was a private matter - so I really had no exposure from others until college.

I know God exists...but I also know no religion is totally correct...nor is no religion totally without some value and truth.

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 3

people are afraid to die and possibly spend forver in Hell. I am not. I believe in a creator who made this Earth as a playground. It was corrupted by freedom of choice. Ironically, people pity the mentally challenged or misuse/abuse them. They are innocense in its purest form which was how man was created and is born. Woman bears the burden of delivery and guilt not because God is unjust but because man should have killed the snake to protect his family. Choices could have been better.

Answer 4

Without it how would we be here! I believe strongly in my religion and I have faith in it! You just nee to believe and pray! You will know if it is right if you get a warm feeling in your bosom! My favorite scripture:

I have fought a good afight, I have bfinished my course, I have kept the faith

2Timothy 4:7

Answer 5

Watch "Dogma" Chris Rock part explains it pretty well about the differnece between faith and an idea.

Answer 6

Weak people need to believe in something in order to inject meaning into their lives.

Crack-heads smoke crack, alcoholics drink booze, religious people believe in god.

Answer 7

Well, its just like your experience. Your parents brainwashed you into believing what they wanted you to believe. I just hope you dont contribute to this trend when you have kids.

Answer 8

You are obviously a lot smarter than your christian friends.